So I am writing this with a heavy heart. Before I continue, I ask that I NOT be admonished as I understand how horrible of a human being this makes me to even consider.

I love Banjo. Genuinely, I do. He is my little buddy, and my best friend and my constant companion. I feed him the best food, make sure he is adequately socialized and exercised and try to give him a loving happy safe home.

The past few days, I was away in Mexico and Banjo was boarded with the walker/trainer. He spent the weekend playing outside in a private yard with his little doggy friends. Since I picked him up on Monday night, he's been sad... as if his life is missing something. Deep down inside, I know he wants playmates and open space and I try hard to give it to him (his walker is not cheap and every saturday and sunday I wake up as early as possible to take him to the park). I live in a one br apartment and won't move to suburbia to get him a yard (terrible terrible investment for me). I also can't take on a second dog and do it "properly" as I am crunched for time as it is.

I keep thinking I owe it to him to make him happier... to give him the life he deserves. He is an angel. He is friendly to dogs and people, loves everyone and is a good boy 95% of the time. In this case, that means I should find him a family with a yard, constant companionship, and an understanding of the breed.

It's not as if I don't want him. I love him. I feel that because I love him, I owe it to him to get him a home he deserves instead of forcing him to live with me when there are better options for him.

All that being said, I don't know if I am over thinking this, or if I risk badly damaging his psyche going down this route. I would make sure he goes to a good home and I have a rescuer who would help me (I haven't told her this yet). I would be willing to pay for his health insurance for two years. I want nothing but the best for him, and honestly, I don't think I am providing it.

Again, I ask that I not be reminded of my failures as a person as I come here hat in hand for advice.

I think you're genuinely coming from a very good place. But to be blunt, you might be over thinking things. I live in a small apartment, and my puppy doesn't suffer for it. She is loved and socialized and we take her with us everywhere. It sounds like you're doing everything right. You're making sure she gets walked and has time outside. That being said, if she does seem to be genuinely suffering in your small space or you don't have the time for her, no one is going to judge you for finding her a home she can be happy in. As for if it hurts her psyche or not, I don't have experience in that. Someone else would be able to answer that much better than I.

Okay... First off, yes, you are over thinking this. Stop over thinking it. [-X

To answer your question on how hard rehoming is for a dog, it depends on a LOT of things. It depends on how stable the current home has been, how much the dog has bonded with the owner, how comfortable the dog is with new things, how well the dog adjusts to new situations and new people, etc. There is no one answer that works for all dogs.

Shibas often go through bouts of "depression" if their person has been away. They are dramatic little creatures and want you to feel bad for leaving them (at least, this has been my experience, even when leaving the dogs at my house with a pet sitter, whom they are okay with, but not over the top in love with). They were happy to see me when I got home, but it took a few days for them to be back to their normal selves.

Coming from your dog walkers home for a few days back to your house is an adjustment. Schedules have changed, activity has changed, and mental stimulation has changed. It does not necessarily mean that one place is better than the other, just different.

Banjo loves you and you provide a wonderful and very stable home for him. Sure, there are other things that you could be providing him, but he is no worse for the wear for not having a yard or constant doggie companion. In fact, he is probably better off without a yard or doggie sibling. You take him for long walks and have play dates for him with other dogs. He gets a ton of exercise and mental stimulation because of this.

You are not a failure, and you are certainly NOT failing Banjo.

Casey, with Bella and Nola, hanging out in the mountains of Virginia.I Wander, I Ride

Hell, I get the feeling that Sagan wants ME rehomed some days from how aloof he is. I went to New York City two weeks ago for seven days and when I returned, he looked at me lazily, and went back to sleep. Talk about being apathetic!

Also, this:

Banjo loves you and you provide a wonderful and very stable home for him. Sure, there are other things that you could be providing him, but he is no worse for the wear for not having a yard or constant doggie companion.

@BanjotheBetaDog-I agree with @Sunyata completely. You are overthinking this and reading too much into might just be a transition phase for Banjo as he settles back into a routine with you. From reading your posts, I believe Banjo and you have a strong and unique bond It's obvious that you love him very much and that you make him a priority in your life. I believe that what is most important is the bond between the human and the pooch. Quake's first pet parents had a yard and another dog for him to play with and also children but their bond with Quake was not strong and they did not want to spend the time with him so it was best that they rehomed him. I live in a condo and Quake loves having pooch friends in the building and human friends as well. He does not have a yard or a furry companion but he has my complete love and devotion just as Banjo has your love and devotion. I also make sure that Quake has physical and mental stimulation daily just as you do for Banjo. That being said, if things in your life are changing such that you would no longer be able to make Banjo a priority, then maybe it would be time to think about rehoming him but only very careful thought. It would be sad for you to have regrets afterward.

Again, I ask that I not be reminded of my failures as a person as I come here hat in hand for advice.

Oh man, everyone has flaws and all that, but I don't think you're suffering from any failures as a person - you're thinking about this due to your love of Banjo, which is heartwarming.

I agree with what everyone else has said - you may be over thinking this a tad... Would Banjo be happy with a yard? Maybe, but he's probably just as happy to see your face after a long day apart. He's probably, also, just as happy to get play time at the dog park, and he's probably just as happy to get relaxation time with you after a good long dog park sesh. Yards aren't all they're cracked up to be - after an hour or so in that backyard he'd probably be all like, "where's my human? You're not my human... You're not my human..... Where'd he go? He's about yay-tall and he has a face with eyes and he feeds me..."

If you still are willing to give life with Banjo a go, because he brings love and happiness and adventure (I mean come on - the great pen adventure of October 2014!?... his potential new family would never be as diligent as you, making sure all the pieces passed and checking to ensure that his poop stopped turning blue) then give it a few more days, after he's had proper time to get through his little Shiba sulking/transition phase. You and Banjo have a special bond, it'd be sad to see that go by the wayside, just to let him have a little taste of suburbia.

I don't think I am a bad owner. I know how good he has it, but.... it just reminds me of the girl I broke up with a few years ago. I loved her... a lot. Which is why I couldn't stand in her way when the job of a lifetime (helping children in africa learn to read and get drinking water) was presented to her. We broke up because I knew happiness (for her) was somewhere else.

I feel this way now. As if I am just being selfish keeping him.

@zandrame an expen doesn't lay out well in my apartment. I have been better about puppy proofing and when the new furniture (delayed... grr) comes in, I am going to start uncrating him more. In my current layout he can get from the couch to the counter with no effort. In the new layout, thats not an issue.

ETA:

@lauratherose I am torn with what Banjo would love more... me, or more freedom. In the short term, that's obviously me, but in the long term, what will provide him a happier life?

Ok, lets take a look at the basics. There are not enough suburban homes with properly fenced yards and dog-wise familes for all the dogs in the world. There are not even enough dog-wise people for all the dogs in the world.

Every person who wants to rehome their dog dreams of the perfect dog home, but they are very hard to find. Ask any of the breeders on the forum how hard it is to find quality homes for their puppies. Heck, talk to your rescue friend about the scarcity of good dog homes. Then ask if your home is a good dog home. The rescue workers I know would bluntly tell you the truth, good or bad.

I once had a neighbor who's dog never left a tiny side yard. They never picked up his poop. He had no toys. They dumped food over the fence into the filth, and filled a water bucket with a hose over the fence. He had zero human contact. The dog was so lonely he howled blues songs when they weren't there to yell at him. Full on songs of wrenching misery and dispair. That is a dog that needs rehoming. That dog would have done anything to have a dedicated owner like you.

Any dog in a shelter would trade places with Banjo in a heartbeat. Visit a shelter if you don't believe me, or tour the Craigslist rehoming adds. Seriously, look at the lives of those dogs.Banjo may be being a shiba drama queen after the separation. Banjo may be tired and sore and crabby after playing so hard several days in a row. But I seriously doubt Banjo is wishing for a new guardian.

Heck, for all I know Banjo is deliberately trying to make you feel guilty to punish you for going away... because he missed you so much.

@BanjotheBetaDog-I forgot to mention that some dogs don't really like being left alone in a yard. Quake's first pet parents were angry at him because he escaped several times from their fenced yard!!! This is why I say that the special bond between you and Banjo is of utmost importance and not a fenced yard and another furry companion for him. In addition, your love and dedication to giving Banjo a life filled with love and care is what sets you apart as a Pet Parent. See how it works out with super puppy proofing your condo and uncrating him for short periods of time. I so much hope it works out well for you and Banjo!!

@Banjo, I've read your posts and it's CLEAR that you love Banjo with your whole heart and soul. You think this might be the best thing for Banjo, but what if it's actually the worst? You'll be abandoning him to people who while they have a yard and maybe another dog for him to play with, they might not have the level of love and devotion for him that you do. Obviously, you would try to find the right people, but I think deep down, you would always question whether he was getting the same quality of life that you were giving him. This doubt make you feel far more guilty than keeping him and continuing to make modifications to improve his quality of life with you (like getting new furniture, foregoing golf outings in favor of Banjo play time, etc.).

I work 9 hour days. I felt so bad about Rooney being in his crate all day after being in there overnight that I went out and spent $400 in dog gates that the cats could still get through so that I could give him the entire first floor to run around during the day. You know what he does? He sleeps on the couch or his dog bed or the carpet runner in the hall until I get home.

He doesn't have a fenced in-yard to play in, but we go to the dog park and for long walks before I go to work and after work. And you know what, he's perfectly happy. In fact, he's far happier than when I first brought him home from the BYB who claimed he lived in the house with them. Yeah, he supposedly had a whole farm to run around and other dogs to play with, but in reality, he was primarily stuck in one room and had to pee on carpet squares because he wasn't let outside.

What people claim they are doing and what they actually do are often to different things. However, you have complete control of Banjo's current situation and are doing everything you can to make him happy. Don't let one trip blind you to the joy you bring him and how much worse his life could be without you.

@BanjoThe BetaDog please don't feel that you're not doing enough because you are! More than most people in fact. We have a yard, not huge but a cute yard with space to run around, but Yuki spends most of her day indoors and that's by choice. As much fun as Banjo had with his buddies, he probably doesn't mind being an only child, most shibas don't. He'll have more space when he isn't being crated as much, and if you're still concerned maybe see if there's a good doggy daycare near you that he can attend a few times a week. I obviously don't know you, but from your posts it sounds like you really love Banjo, and I'm sure he's attached to you. Try not to over analyse things, I think you're driving yourself nuts.

I've read a lot of your previous posts and although I do not know you, I agree with the above posters that your love and affection for Banjo shines through in your posts. You are also doing it alone which is such hard work, I don't know if I could cope on my own. But you seem strong and determined and you will get through it! Please don't make any decisions when you are feeling emotional and tired... Deep breaths, think it through over the next few days and I'm sure you will realise that you are indeed over thinking it. Best wishes, Lisa

For the first 9 years of Bella's life and 5 years of Nola's life they had a fairly large house with not just one but TWO fenced yards. They LOVED their yards and spent a large amount of time hanging out in the yard when I was home with them.

Earlier this year, I did the first selfish thing I have done since those dogs came into my life. Up until that point everything I did, I did for them. But an amazing job opportunity was presented to me that would require a complete lifestyle change for us. Because I knew that in the long run, it was the best decision for me (and subsequently them), I uprooted our life and moved from our rural-ish area to a major metropolitan area. They no longer have a large house with fenced yards. We live in small-ish place that they share with myself and five bicycles (no basement or garage!?). They no longer have a yard to call their own and can no longer spend hours sunning themselves in the afternoon sun. Does it suck... Yes. Do I feel horrible for not having a yard for them? Absolutely. But they get plenty of walks around the neighbourhood. They get lots of hiking time. We play fetch on long leads in the courtyards in my neighbourhood. We make it work and they are no worse fo the wear. Those dogs depend on me for everything and are very much bonded to me. Would they be happier with a yard. Definitely. Would they be happier with a yard without me. Absolutely not.

Eventually, they will have a yard again. But it will be a couple of years before I can make that happen. They will not suffer because of it, though. Not one bit.

Banjo is perfectly fine. Eventually, you will be able to leave him uncrated when you are not there. But until he is trustworthy, it is in Banjo's best interest to crate him. He is not suffering (from what you have described). You are over thinking everything. So stop. :)

I can't help it. I'm going to admonish you. In this way: stop! Stop beating yourself up! You're a good dog owner! You love Banjo, and you've worked hard with him, and you've taught yourself so much about dogs and training, and the fact that you are even concerned for him--worrying that he needs a companion--is actually proof of how good you are for this dog.

Here's the thing: a lot of time dogs, especially sensitive and smart dogs like Shibas, like to play the sympathy card. I know I'm over anthromorphizing here, but what I mean is, they act all butt hurt because you left them someplace. My Shiba would not look at me for days after I brought him back from the kennel (except he kind of gave it away, because he actually LIKED the kennel, which I could tell because he raced right in happily everytime we went there, whereas my German shepherd tried to bolt every time we got there). Just this summer, I was gone for two weeks (dogs were at home with my husband) and when I got back, my Kai Ken wouldn't even look at me or interact with me for three days--he just gave me these terribly wounded looks. And you know he was fine without me! So Banjo probably did have fun, but he also probably wants to remind you--"you left ME! How could you do that?"

Dogs don't need to have a big yard or lots of doggie friends if they also have the love and care and attention of their people, which he does. I bet soon you'll be able to leave him out of the crate when you're gone during the day (I did it at a year with one Shiba, but most of the time it's closer to two years before I feel they are ok at being uncrated when unsupervised). You could find a doggie day care maybe if you think he needs more stimulation, and do that once a week or something. But soon enough he's not going to be crazy about other dogs anyway, so he probably doesn't even need that. You could also try another class with him, just so you and he have some time with other dog and activities, if you're worried about him not being around other dogs enough.

Bottom line: you love this dog. This dog loves you. That bond and care is more important than worrying about could he be around more dogs. Many, many dogs enjoy being an only dog.

And yes, it is hard on dogs to be rehomed, especially if they have bonded strongly with their person. That's why I think it has to be a very good reason to do so. I do think it is important than you are thinking of his future good, but I think his future good life involves you.

You are beating yourself up. You are giving Banjo a better life than 99% of dogs in this world. It is about quality time and not quantity of time in a big yard or house. He has good quality time with you.

Incidentally, we moved from an urban apartment like yours to a suburban house before we got our now 7.5 month old shiba. So we have small fenced yard and larger house for him to run in (compared to an apartment). Well, the fenced yard is good, honestly, for pee breaks but we still have to be out there with him supervising him, so how is that much different than walking him down the street or at the park on a long lead? BTW, my back yard is tiny, only about 15 feet by 40 feet. As far as a large house goes, our shiba only has free run of half the downstairs, which probably gives him ~800 sq ft. So, again, how is this an improvement over the space of a one bedroom apartment? And oh yeah, my puppy lives in a crate when we aren't home. I suspect it will be ages before he can have free reign.

So, take a deep breath, have a relaxing beverage of your choice and give your dog a huge hug. He loves you man and you are an awesome parent.

BanjoTheBetaDog - I read your post this morning and it just so happened that I was thinking about you earlier because you hadn't posted in about a week and that was unusual for you. How appropriate that you posted this the same day...

*get ready for a rant*

First, I know where you're coming from. Kira is an only dog as well and she just LOVES playing with my friends' dogs. I have a friend with a Kai Ken that comes and spends the weekends with us sometimes and Kira is so sad when they leave on Sunday. She mopes, she pouts, she is just so distraught that her friend is gone. I feel bad after play sessions and dog outings on the weekends because she is just so damned happy and then... life is boring at home.

I have thought about getting another dog - not as a companion for her, but because I truly wanted another. Past tense - wanted. The bond that I have with her is intense and so strong that I've been told by my fiance that she mopes the entire time I'm at work. I know that the bond wouldn't necessarily be compromised that much if I got another dog, but I may not always be her #1.

I know that if I get another dog, she would be happy - in a different way that she is now. But as humans, I think that we get caught up in the intensity of our emotions - can I be happier, am I happy enough, what could make me more happy, etc. Dogs are different, they live their lives one day at a time. It's up to us as good dog owners to make everyday as fulfilling as possible for them and sometimes on our work days, that just means coming home to them and giving them love and attention after an 8-hour day. You are the light of their lives, you help to keep them happy.

Some scenarios that you should consider are - even if you rehomed Banjo, how do you know that he would be happier? Wouldn't he miss you and the bond that you two have? Also, there's no way to really guarantee that your dog would be happier with another owner than with you, is there?

As I'd stated before, I was shocked to have not heard from you on the forum in a while - that alone shows that you are a commited and dedicated owner who truly cares about the well-being of your dog! It's normal to wonder if they could have a better life with a bigger yard/bigger house/more dogs/more time but it's just not possible to give them everything that we THINK that they need. The point is that we are doing the very best that we can for our dogs and commiting to their happiness everytime that we log into this forum. You are a great owner and Banjo is lucky to have you, don't let your insecurities get the best of you and take him away from the wonderful life that he has with you.

Sorry this is so long, but "watching" you grow as an owner on this forum has shown how great you are for Banjo and I don't want you to lose sight of that.

However, don't let your sense of altruism deprive you of happiness and letting go of everything you love just because you THINK (keyword is think) that the other person/dog would be happier without you.

The biggest thing to consider is, would Banjo ever be able to find someone else who will love him and bond to him equal to or more than you? You're leaving that to chance..

You might be giving him to people who are like my ex-roommates. Yeah, my friend has a big house, lots of money, but she leaves her dog in her room for 10+ hours a day, never walks her dog, and that dog lives in its own filth. She never bothered to housebreak her dog, and it just soils the floor to the point where the wood has water damage... Her dog is neurotic and an attention-starved little yappy shit. But on the outside? My friend looks like a perfect upstanding citizen who loves her dog (I don't doubt she loves her dog but my god she treats it horribly).

A possible solution is maybe making some friends in your area, and offering to switch off on watching dogs? That way Banjo will have a buddy to play with every few days?

I've been lurking on this forum for several months (great reading!) and just joined yesterday, but I wanted to say to you that after reading several of your posts and comments regarding Banjo, I am convinced that if Banjo could speak he would look you right in the eye and tell you that he would rather live his whole life with nothing else but you, than to have everything a dog could want and be without you. YOU are his world...everything else is just icing on the bone for him. He needs his dad more than he needs a yard or a playmate. You two were meant for each other from what I can see. Best wishes!

I think you are over thinking this but you are coming from a good place. Please do not rehome your shiba.

I live with my shiba in a 1 bedroom apartment as well. My boyfriend and my cat also live in this apartment but we are all happy and have a blast. I give Kobe a great life and everything I do revolves around him.

Sometimes I take him to my parents house for the weekend so that we can have a mini vacation. They haven yard where kobe can run around freely. Everytime We come back he always seems to be in a slump as if he is bored now but then he bounces back quickly to his regular happy self.

If I go on vacation and Leave him at my parents house with their big yard they always tell me that he misses me like crazy and whines looking for me

I appreciate the kind words. That being said, it's the loneliness more than the yard. He has no playmates or company all day. Today I went to work late and banjo spent the morning looking out the window and whining whenever a dog passed by. It breaks my heart.

Eta: around noon he is out for 45 min -3 hours with the walker/trainer for socialization. Sometimes it's just a walk with two dogs. Sometimes he meets 6 of his buddies at the park. It really just varies.

You're not superman and I don't think that Banjo expects you to be. You've done your best to make sure he has dog playmates every day with the walker/trainer. Think of Banjo like a child...As a parent, if your situation didn't allow for you to have another child, then you wouldn't have one whether it made your first child happy or not. Despite that, only children can be very well adjusted so long as their parents make the effort to ensure they have play time with other kids. You're doing that for Banjo already and he's not hurting from being an only child because you're doing all the right things to make sure he still gets the interaction with other dogs that you need.

Even if you could get another dog, Banjo might not like it because you're his person and it would divide your attention from him. For instance, the fastest way for me to get Rooney to come when he's being stubborn is for me to pet/give attention to one of my two cats. He's immediately like, "what? my human is giving out lovin, I need all the love!" Banjo would likely feel the same way. Other dogs are fun to play with, but not if they divide your attention from him.

So, what I'm saying is: Stop feeling bad! You're doing all the right stuff. Your brain is lying to you about Banjo being better off in any other situation than what you're already providing.

@banjothebetadog - please excuse the blunt, and I daresay, harsh tone of the following response. My intentions are good, but frankly, all the nice (and true) things that other posters have said to you don't seem to have much of an effect on this step you seem to be building yourself up to taking.

I'm not admonishing you as a human being in the sense of you being a bad dog owner (as you somehow seem to fear in your initial post), but I do think you are indulging in a certain type of perversely selfish selflessness that seems not uncommon amongst those both privileged and kind of heart.

Others have covered just how good Banjo's life is with you. You know better than anyone else just how strongly the two of you are bonded. You are reading signs of Banjo's loneliness as testament to the inadequacy of his care and socialization. Has it never occurred to you that perhaps it is because he misses you, specifically? That perhaps this depression over the absence of the other dogs, is actually sulking due to the (very normal) absence of an owner whom he adores?

I know you have the very best of intentions, but in your sketch of the case for why Banjo would be happier with different owners who have a different life situation, you come across as wanting to wallow in a martyr complex. I think many of us would find it sweetly amusing (no doubt you really love your dog) if we didn't think there was the possibility of some very real and unpleasant consequences for Banjo.

Second, with regards to this rescuer, don't you think you are being inconsiderate of her time? You work for a non-profit so I think you understand just how thinly stretched their resources are. You would be asking her to take Banjo from a loving, caring, home and spend her time and resources finding him what you consider an even better home, rather than helping a dog that has never known that kind of love and care. Given the dearth of good homes for dogs, the number of abusive or negligent homes, and the limited resources of any rescue or rescuer, this request would be shortsighted and selfish, no matter how good your intentions for Banjo.

Finally, you do realize that by insisting that you are not serving Banjo's best needs despite the time, love, and money lavished on him, simply because he does not have other canine companions or a yard, etc., that you are insulting all of the owners out there and on this forum with similar circumstances, right? Working a 9-5 that requires commuting, living in an apartment or condo, and only having one dog, is not uncommon. I could list quite a few posters who are living in that kind of situation. Do you think that these posters, who exhibit just as much love, dedication, and commitment to their dogs are doing them a disservice? My guess is that you wouldn't but because they are not you, your perspective is a little more objective.

So if all the other posts are the sweet words trying to convince you to take the right oath, consider this post the slap in the face to try to get you to come back to your senses. Banjo's place is with you.

I can give you a slightly different perspective on this topic as we are living it:

Fen is my 21 year old daughter's dog. He is 18 months old and is bonded to her, as well as myself and my husband. My daughter has a tiny apartment with just a porch and no yard. She works and goes to school so Fen was crated or left on the porch quite often when he was with her, so, while she is looking for a bigger home, he lives with us (and has off and on since she got him). We live in the country and have a HUGE piece of property, other dogs, a huge fenced yard and Fen has humans around him almost all day long. He is never alone. He STILL misses Jade (my daughter). He goes through bouts of depression even now (and he has been with us nonstop since June). When she came up in July for 2 weeks he about lost his puppy mind he was so happy to see her, and when she left he was depressed and super clingy for about a week. The only reason he is happy here with us is because he was bonded to us as well - I went with Jade to see Fen the first time, I went with her to bring him home, my husband and I have been here ever since he was a tiny puppy. I can honestly say, that if he were to go to another house, yard, dogs and all but NO bonded human he would be heartbroken.

Have you read "The Hidden Life of Dogs"? It's a book by an animal anthropologist that talks a lot about pack mentality and anthropomorphism. I agree with everyone else in that you are WAY over thinking this! Now I will say that, the reason we have Fen is that we don't want him in a crate all day in my daughter's apartment, and the reason she let us keep him is for the same reason, but none of us would ever consider rehoming him. That's like giving up a child for adoption! How do you know what kind of a home Banjo would go to? My personal opinion is that you should keep Banjo and find ways to provide enrichment activities. Example: Fen LOVES sitcoms. Honestly. Hates cartoons, loves sitcoms and nature shows. When I do have to leave him alone I put out his blanket, let him pick a toy and put on the TV for him. I watched him one day after leaving to see what he did after I left (I have a little window I can look in and see the bedroom). He sat there and stared at the door for about 30 seconds, then turned around, went in the room, climbed on the bed, grabbed his toy and watched TV. LOL Jade also bought him some puzzle toys - he figured them out pretty quickly, but he did love them!

Also, you said your apartment didn't have a layout for an expen? The one Jade bought for Fen (which is now his puppy jail LOL) folds away completely, really easily and has panels that fold in any direction AND attach to his crate. Perhaps you could consider that, then you could put it out during the day while you are gone, then fold it up at night?

Just my opinion of course =) I am new to Shibas (dogs in general) and am by NO means any type of dog expert (I am a dog novice), so my opinion is purely personal so take it for what it's worth. =) I think Banjo is with YOU for a reason and you should see it through =)

Haven't read all the replies but can see everyone is giving great responses. I know from my time working directly with surrendered and unwanted dogs, how hard it is on the dog- it's distressing to watch. I think you are over thinking all of this loneliness business. Banjo is probably happier living with you by himself and having play time with his friends and then enjoying alone time with and without you. I agree with everything @violet_in_seville said. Hope to hear an update soon that you have gotten over your doubts and decided against rehoming your dog.

I appreciate the kind words. That being said, it's the loneliness more than the yard. He has no playmates or company all day. Today I went to work late and banjo spent the morning looking out the window and whining whenever a dog passed by. It breaks my heart.

Eta: around noon he is out for 45 min -3 hours with the walker/trainer for socialization. Sometimes it's just a walk with two dogs. Sometimes he meets 6 of his buddies at the park. It really just varies.

Do you realize the contradiction you wrote? Banjo isn't without company if he sees 2-6 doggy friends for walks up to 3 hours EVERY DAY. You are already doing more than most. As my dog is now past the 2 year mark, he doesn't make new friends easily. But he loves the friends he has, so we continue to go to classes so they can spend time together - this is once a week, with unscheduled gatherings a few times a month. I don't feel that I am letting him down. I don't remember, but do you take classes or do other activities with Banjo too? Maybe you should spend more time working on the bond between you two instead of worrying that you are not good enough.

Banjo doesn't need a live-in playmate, he doesn't need a yard; he just needs you to stop doubting and believe in yourself. You really are his everything.

Another way to frame this is to think of him like a child. A child may want every toy in the store, or beg for a little brother, but he's not entitled to these demands. And even if he sulks, the child would not really be happier if his parent suddenly disappeared and a "wealthier" stranger appeared instead.

And the ex-pen thing, I'm not sure of your room layout, but ex-pens are designed to be flexible and fold out of the way when you don't need them. Post a pic of your space, and we can help with puppy-proofing ideas.

@banjothebetadog - please excuse the blunt, and I daresay, harsh tone of the following response. My intentions are good, but frankly, all the nice (and true) things that other posters have said to you don't seem to have much of an effect on this step you seem to be building yourself up to taking.

I'm not admonishing you as a human being in the sense of you being a bad dog owner (as you somehow seem to fear in your initial post), but I do think you are indulging in a certain type of perversely selfish selflessness that seems not uncommon amongst those both privileged and kind of heart.

Others have covered just how good Banjo's life is with you. You know better than anyone else just how strongly the two of you are bonded. You are reading signs of Banjo's loneliness as testament to the inadequacy of his care and socialization. Has it never occurred to you that perhaps it is because he misses you, specifically? That perhaps this depression over the absence of the other dogs, is actually sulking due to the (very normal) absence of an owner whom he adores?

I know you have the very best of intentions, but in your sketch of the case for why Banjo would be happier with different owners who have a different life situation, you come across as wanting to wallow in a martyr complex. I think many of us would find it sweetly amusing (no doubt you really love your dog) if we didn't think there was the possibility of some very real and unpleasant consequences for Banjo.

Second, with regards to this rescuer, don't you think you are being inconsiderate of her time? You work for a non-profit so I think you understand just how thinly stretched their resources are. You would be asking her to take Banjo from a loving, caring, home and spend her time and resources finding him what you consider an even better home, rather than helping a dog that has never known that kind of love and care. Given the dearth of good homes for dogs, the number of abusive or negligent homes, and the limited resources of any rescue or rescuer, this request would be shortsighted and selfish, no matter how good your intentions for Banjo.

Finally, you do realize that by insisting that you are not serving Banjo's best needs despite the time, love, and money lavished on him, simply because he does not have other canine companions or a yard, etc., that you are insulting all of the owners out there and on this forum with similar circumstances, right? Working a 9-5 that requires commuting, living in an apartment or condo, and only having one dog, is not uncommon. I could list quite a few posters who are living in that kind of situation. Do you think that these posters, who exhibit just as much love, dedication, and commitment to their dogs are doing them a disservice? My guess is that you wouldn't but because they are not you, your perspective is a little more objective.

So if all the other posts are the sweet words trying to convince you to take the right oath, consider this post the slap in the face to try to get you to come back to your senses. Banjo's place is with you.

I totally understand you considering this as I am an over-thinker and blow tiny things out of proportion too. So I get it, but I also agree with everyone else. You are an exceptional dog owner and I think you should keep you dog.

I hope you are at peace with whatever decision you make since I know you will be doing what you think is best for Banjo. :-*

I've decided in the back of my mind, if someone who I knew 10000% loves him like me and would provide the life I think he should have, I would give him to them. That would be someone like my parents, my sister, etc. but the pool is small. Anyone I've known less than 15 years is immediately disqualified.

unless for some reason you can no longer provide for Banjo in the very literal sense- food, water, shelter, medical care, love, stimulation-exercise- then dont be worrying yourself about having to rehome him, and dont be stressing all your Shiba friends out thinking you are going to rehome him, alright man!! Golly gosh :P